The Toffees might now unleash their “magic” forward to defeat Arsenal at Goodison Park once more.
Everton return to Premier League play today, and will be quietly hopeful of a win against a high-flying Arsenal side…
Who should start Everton’s game against Arsenal?
Although the Gunners are in excellent form while the Toffees are not, the Goodison Park factor cannot be ignored as Mikel Arteta returns to the place where his playing career in England erupted.
The Spaniard will be looking to keep his unblemished league start going, but despite facing a team that has yet to win, the outcome will not be as straightforward as it appears on paper. After all, Liverpool have won four of their past five home games against the north London club.
The return of many absentees will also cheer Sean Dyche, with the international break coming at the perfect time to allow them to reset today in front of a raucous home crowd, as the likes of Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison near full fitness – though the latter has been ruled out for the visit of the Gunners.
The former, in particular, must start if the former Burnley boss is to secure a result, with his wand of a left foot prepared to terrorize Arsenal.
How talented is Dwight McNeil?
The Toffees’ terrible start to the season is largely down to their inefficiency in front of goal, as they have only one point to show after dominating three of their four league games. According to Sofascore, this is while creating 3.3 huge chances per game and raining down 14.8 shots each game.
Being without last season’s leading scorer was always going to hurt, as the 23-year-old’s seven goals and three assists made him vital to their survival drive.
His ingenuity, in particular, will almost certainly be crucial in feeding Beto, or somebody of his size, with his deep corner in this same fixture last season meeting James Tarkowski as they combined to secure a 1-0 win. Many expected Arteta’s men to easily defeat the hosts, who were hosting Dyche in his debut game as manager. However, he and his fellow Clarets had different plans.
Throughout the season, McNeil had a 7.06 league average rating, having created 11 major chances while only registering three assists. This is easy to believe given that the £20 million maverick also averaged 1.4 critical passes each game, according to Sofascore.
He is one of the few players on their team who is actually capable of creating something out of nothing, and they will have to rely on him against a well-oiled machine like Arsenal.
Journalist Joe Thomas praised another stroke of “magic” from Everton’s number seven in 2022, which Goodison Park hopes to see again. Dyche has previously stated his admiration for McNeil, saying, “Fantastic, he’s a real talent.” I’ve been saying that for weeks, and since he first came into the side.
“He’s a really good player, he’s getting better; his calmness at the end – I’m saying get it in the corner – but he cuts in, and his calmness to cross it into a dangerous area, and then he gets his reward.” He’s a tremendously excellent player, incredibly good, and he can only mature.”
Despite the fact that the odds are stacked against them, this will suit the hosts perfectly. Merseyside will be ecstatic, roaring on every big tackle and towering header. The likelihood of the latter occurring is undoubtedly boosted dramatically with McNeil on the team, which will hopefully result in the creation of a winner.
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